Sexual Health check-ups are important if you want to live a long and healthy life. It is the only way to quickly and accurately detect problems so that you can treat them early. If you are sexually active, you are expected to undergo regular sexual health check-ups because of STIs. You are especially at great risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) if you don’t use protection. These infections and diseases can have grave implications for the body, particularly when they stay too long without being detected and treated.
When Should You Get Tested?
You should get tested for STIs or STDs annually to prevent sudden and late diagnosis. Ask for a test if you think you have been exposed because of a cheating partner or have multiple sex partners. You should also get tested if you are entering into a new relationship or have unprotected sex. Additionally, if you see symptoms that suggest you have an STI or STD, you have to get tested immediately. Finally, if you test for STIs before your relationship, you may have an undiagnosed STI and need to be tested.
Getting a Sexual Health Check-up
Your doctor will need to ask you some personal questions to determine the tests to be done. These can include questions about your sexual history, general health, partners, type of sex, and contraceptive use. Common tests include syphilis, gonorrhea, HIV, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, and chlamydia. These tests are determined by your answers to the doctor’s questions.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Sexual Health Check-up
Early Detection
The earlier an STI or STD is detected, the better your chances of recovery. Regular sexual health check-ups can help detect infections and diseases without symptoms. This way, you can get treatment early and not spread the STI or STD around.
Good Physical and Reproductive Health
STIs can affect the reproductive health of women even when they present without symptoms in men. For example, chlamydia and gonorrhea damage the fallopian tubes and can cause pelvic inflammatory disorder (PID) if left untreated. Human Papillomavirus (HPV) can also cause cervical cancer, which can cause several other problems in the body.
Peace
Knowing the state of your sexual health will also foster peace. You won’t be worried about whether you are infected or not. You also won’t be worried about infecting your partner, which will improve your relationship.
Reduced Risk of Spreading STIs and STDs
Going for regular sexual health check-ups will help you detect if you have STIs or STDs even when there are no symptoms. Thus, you will greatly reduce the risk of transmitting infections to your partner and casual sex partners.
Preventing Serious Complications
STIs and STDs can cause other serious health problems besides reproductive health problems, such as cancer and infertility. They can also cause ectopic pregnancies, discomfort during urination, pain, and other discomfort that can last for a long time, even after being healed. Moreover, untreated STIs and STDs, such as cancer and HIV, can also cause death after some time.
If you want to live a healthy life, you must never skip your sexual health check-ups. Not only will you be safeguarding your health, but you will also protect other people from getting infected.
#Clique, do you take your sexual health seriously? Besides sexual health check-ups, what other steps do you take to enhance your sexual health? Let us know in the comments.
